Atomic Number
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Atomic Number
(symbol Z)
An integer that expresses the positive charge of the
nucleus
in multiples of the electronic charge e. It is the number of
electrons outside the nucleus of a neutral (un-ionized)
atom and, according to widely accepted theory, the number of
protons in the
nucleus. See
atomic weight, Table IV.
An element of atomic number Z occupies the Zth place in
the periodic table of the elements. Its atom has a nucleus with
a charge +Ze, which is normally surrounded by Z electrons, each
of charge -e.
For example, the carbon isotope
<math>6C14</math>
has an atomic number of 6 and an atomic mass of 14. [[/A>|/A> ]]
References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
